The breast implant or breast augmentation is a very common topic among women today. It is a way plastic surgeons create a reconstructed breast by removing your natural breast tissue. With the development in the augmentation procedure, breast reconstruction surgery is known to give realistic and aesthetic results.
But, there are plenty of misconceptions surrounding the breast implants out there. Therefore, it is essential to clear up the myths and know the real facts before you consider surgery.
So, let’s get started-
Myth 1: Bigger Implants Are Better
Many people associate breast augmentation with the large breasts. However, while choosing implants, there is a lot more to consider than your personal preference. Depending upon the chest width, you can accommodate only a certain size of the implant.
Fact: If you choose too large implants, they are likely to sag over time. Moreover, a dramatic change in the size can increase the risk of complications such as scars, stretch marks, or distortion in the shape of the implant.
Though choosing the size of the implant is up to you, it is better to stick to the doctor’s advice based on your measurements.
Myth 2: Augmented Breasts Look Fake
Though breast augmentations in the ’90s emphasized on a more augmented look, the current trends focus on natural-looking implants.
Fact: By carefully considering the factors such as the patient’s unique measurements, placement, etc., the skilled plastic surgeons create subtle breast augmentations. Opting for a silicone implant over saline ensures you realistic results and prevents the rippling that might occur along the edges of the saline implant.
Moreover, most of the surgeons insert the implants beneath the chest muscle that hides the upper part of the implant. So, doctors find it easier to conduct mammography.
Myth 3: A Silicone Implant Can Cause Diseases
Though silicone implants were banned in 1992, as many of the women reported health complications that leaking silicone could trigger autoimmune issues.
Fact: Researchers performed numerous tests on silicone implants and found no evidence linking them any dangerous disease. As a result, FDA approved silicone breast implants in 2006.
Also, silicon defects are very rare, and the treatment is limited to removing the implant and tissue around it. So, you can go for an MRI two or three after the augmentation to make sure that the implants are intact and there is no defect.
Myth 4: Breast Implants Will Last A Lifetime
Though breast implants don’t have an expiration date, they don’t guarantee to serve you for a lifetime.
Fact: Every medical device has a finite lifespan and will eventually break at some point. However, you can expect an implant to last for approximately 10 to 12 years. Since you won’t be able to see or feel a rupture in your implants, an mri scan is needed every 2 or 3 years to monitor any sign of trouble.
So, it is crucial to follow with your surgeon regarding breast reconstruction.
Myth 5: Breast Implant Deters Cancer Detection
Many people think that after breast implants, mammography shows inaccurate results, and cancer can’t be detected. However, it isn’t the case.
Fact: There isn’t any evidence that shows breast augmentation of any kind affects the mammography results. As long as you inform the radiologist about the implants beforehand, the mammograms are simple to perform. Further, breast reconstruction doesn’t trump the breast cancer treatment.
Conclusion
Though breast augmentation doesn’t offer any guaranteed longevity, most of the patients feel satisfied with its results. We hope that after knowing the truth about breast implants, you might be ready to take the next step.